Can Your FAA Certifications Get You College Credit?

It is no secret that the aviation industry is highly competitive. Earning an FAA certification requires years of theoretical application and practical experience, combined with a healthy dose of resolve and determination. But as the field constantly improves and evolves, it has become increasingly important for professionals to gain qualifications above and beyond other applicants.

Whether you have developed a taste for management, training, flight safety or projects, there are a multitude of career paths in the aviation industry. If you want to take advantage of these opportunities, however, your aviation-specific skills and valid certifications are just the beginning. If you have applied years of hard work toward your aviation career, your credentials can earn you college credit and a head start in the competition.

Thomas Edison State University’s Office of Professional Learning Review (OPLR) has reviewed a variety of FAA certificationsfor college credit toward an academic program at the University. Successful completion, along with proper documentation, can earn you college credit.

So if you are looking to add a degree credential to your logbook, here is how your certifications can help you do it.

For Pilots

Professional pilots must demonstrate great skill in using highly complex technologies, both new and existing. Those who have successfully completed the rigorous training and certification process can transfer up to 35 credits toward a bachelor’s degree, a significant amount if you are looking to quickly advance from a commercial pilot to an airline pilot.

An Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification is recommended to transfer in the maximum 35 credits. However, since these certification components build upon one another, the following FAA credentials listed below have been divided into individual credit recommendations.

For Aviation Mechanics

The most crucial task in aviation - to keep the planes flying safely - depends on maintenance skills and knowledge of certified engineers and mechanics. However, as aircraft technology rapidly changes, controls, processes and flight instruments have become increasingly reliant on computers and digital systems. These complex technologies must be maintained by professionals with a theoretical and practical understanding of computer programming and flight experience.

Aviation Managers

Aviation management is designed for aviation professionals interested in advancing from a technical position to a management or leadership role. Students can earn college credit toward the program through a combination of the pilot, mechanic or air traffic controller certifications listed above. Nine online courses complete the Aviation Management program for a total of 27 credits, (3 credits per course) and include:

Aviation Safety

Airline Management

Project Management

Airport Management

Aviation Finance and Economics

Aviation Law

Airline Marketing and Customer Service

International Operations

Crew Resource Management

What Now?

Eligibility for credit is determined by the date your certification was issued. If you are interested in applying your FAA certifications toward an aviation degree at Thomas Edison State University, here is how to submit your documentation for college credit.

To receive credit for your certification(s), except the FAA Credential with Tower rating:

Donald Cucuzzella is the assistant dean of the School of Applied Science and Technology, specializing in the University’s aviation and allied health programs. Between helping students figure out how professional certifications can apply as college credit and what it’s like taking online courses, his goal is to help students feel comfortable coming back to college.

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